Amid disturbing allegations coming out against Ellen DeGeneres and her “toxic” set, one employee is speaking out in defense of the comedienne: Stephen “tWitch” Boss.
The professional dancer, who joined The Ellen DeGeneres Show as the stage DJ in 2014, broke his silence on Tuesday, addressing his experience working on the daytime series. Speaking virtually with Us Weekly, he noted there’s a lot that can’t be said, hinting at the WarnerMedia investigation, sharing:
“We can’t speak too much legally about it, but I’ll say this, there’s been love. Obviously there’s some things to address, but from my standpoint and from countless others, there’s been love. I’ll just leave it at that until there’s a time where we can address more publicly. There’s been love and there will continue to be love.”
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It’s a safe statement and while his experience working alongside Ellen has only “been love,” countless former and current employees haven’t been able to say the same. In fact, former resident DJ Tony Okungbowa, who worked on the show from 2003 to 2013 before being replaced by tWitch, took to Instagram earlier this month about the “toxicity” he felt. Tony wrote:
“Hey Guys, I hope you are all keeping safe out there during these trying times. I have been getting calls asking me about the Ellen Degeneres Show and I would like to address the time I spent there. I was on air talent from 2003-2006 and from 2007 -2013. While I am grateful for the opportunity it afforded me, I did experience and feel the toxicity of the environment and I stand with my former colleagues in their quest to create a healthier and more inclusive workplace as the show moves forward.”
Per BuzzFeed News‘ reporting, allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, among others, have come to light against the series’ top producers, including Kevin Leman, Ed Glavin, and Jonathan Norman.
While it’s clear tWitch has Ellen’s back, as do celebs like Katy Perry and Kevin Hart, the experiences of staff, past or present, are valid and can’t be written away so easily. Of course, it really seems the show’s fate is in the hands of WarnerMedia as they are apparently looking into the multiple claims made across the board. In the meantime, the Finding Dory star’s wife Portia de Rossi notes the host is “doing great.” Sure, Jan. LOLz!
[Image via FayesVision/WENN/Instar]
The post <i>Ellen Show</i> Resident DJ Stephen tWitch Boss Speaks Out Over ‘Toxic’ Workplace Allegations appeared first on Perez Hilton.